Carolina Panthers' Ghosts of Quarterbacks Past
by James Dator on Sep 9, 2010 10:54 AM EDT
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PrintWe had today's trivia question up for a reason. Early this morning both the Carolina Panthers and Steve Reed said via Twitter that Matt Moore was poised to be the 6th opening day QB in Carolina Panthers history.
This struck a chord with myself and several other CSR editors as the numbers didn't seem right. After doing a little research we confirmed our suspicions; the Panthers and Reed were wrong. This isn't a finger pointing exercise as those first three games of 1995 were easy to forget, but we saw it as a good opportunity to turn back time and remember the "Ghosts of Panthers' Quarterbacks Past". Lets revisit these familiar (and not so familiar) faces...
After the jump
1. Frank Reich (1995)
So, how many of you got Frank Reich? I know, he was easy to look over and I suspect was the player the Panthers and Reed forgot about. Reich started three games in 1995 posting a 58.7 QB rating and throwing the first TD in Carolina Panthers’ history to Pete Metzelaars. The plug was pulled after three games though in favor of the man at #2.
Fun Fact: Reich is now the QB coach for the Indianapolis Colts
2. Kerry Collins (1996)
The Kerry Collins era was in full effect in 1996 as he closed out the final thirteen games of the 1995 season with a QB rating of 61.9. He was injured going into the 1996 season which brought the first stint for arguably the greatest QB in Panther history.
Fun Fact: At 37 years old Collins is the 2nd oldest QB currently in the NFL. Second only to Brett Favre (40)
3. Steve Beuerlein (1997)
While filling in for Kerry Collins while injured Beuerlein posted a QB rating of 88.1. Hindsight is 20/20… but we should have kept him in as Collins went in to finish the season with a rating of 55.7.
4. Kerry Collins (1998)
Collins started just four games for the Carolina Panthers before being placed on waivers and signed by the New Orleans Saints.
Fun Fact: Collins found that pizza in a dumpster!
5. Steve Beuerlein (1999-2000)
Beuerlein and Delhomme are regarded as the two greatest QBs of Carolina Panthers history. While a two year starter for the Panthers he posted an 85.9 QB rating while making the pro bowl in 1999
Fun Fact: It was Beuerlein who was the first Notre Dame QB to be a Carolina Panther, not Jimmy Clausen. Most people forget this.
6. Chris Weinke (2001)
via thesportshernia.typepad.com
Oh Weinke… we have a dog named after you, don’t we? He was proof positive that a Heisman does not a QB make. Due to Weinke playing six seasons of baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays his football career started late, and when I say late I’m not just talking Juno late, I’m talking "What made the Panthers think a 29 year old rookie was a good idea?" late. But hey, he posted a QB rating of 62 in 2001… that was better than Kerry Collins did his first year as a starter.
Fun Fact: Weinke is now the director of the IMG Madden Football Academy
7. Rodney Peete (2002-03)
via www.bqb-site.com
The Carolina Panthers love affair with old quarterbacks continued as we started the 36 year old Rodney Peete in 2002. Peete played in 14 games in 2002 posting a QB rating of 77.4, the best since Steve Beuerlein and the second best in Panther history up to this point. In 2003 Peete famously started the first half vs. Jacksonville before being pulled in favor of his successor and #8 on this list.
Fun Fact: Rodney and his wife Holly now have their own radio show called "Meet the Peetes" on Oprah Winfrey’s XM Satellite Radio channel.
8. Jake Delhomme (2004-2009)
Arguably the greatest QB in Carolina Panthers’ history Delhomme’s Panthers’ teams were undoubtably the most prolific after a Superbowl appearance in 2003 and another two playoff appearances. Never regarded as a great physical talent Delhomme made up for it with heart posting a Panther career QB rating of 84.9, just 1 point behind Beuerlein.
Fun Fact: At 35 years old Delhomme is currently the 2nd oldest QB slated to start week one.
9. Matt Moore (2010-?)
And so the Matt Moore era begins…
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He does look like a stiff spazz in that picture
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
Reich
He was Jim Kelly’s back up in Buffalo on a team that made at least3 and I am thinking 4 trips to the Superbowl, they lost all those games. When called upon to play he did a good job for the Bills.
isn't he the one who led them from that 35 point deficit against the Oilers?
"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you." ~ David Foster Wallace
Didn't think of that
Good call.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
35 points in ONE HALF of football no less...
Was down 38-3 at the half. He did the same thing in college at Maryland. Can’t recall the score or the opponent but led the Terps back from a huge deficit as well.
by The Kackalack Kid on Sep 9, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
that would be the bernie kosar-led miami hurricanes
Down 31-0 at halftime, came back and won 42-40
"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you." ~ David Foster Wallace
That game ripped my heart out
I was big Warren Moon fan…memories of “The Comeback” still bother me to this day.
It was Beuerlein who was the first Notre Dame QB to be a Carolina Panther, not Jimmy Clausen. Most people forget this.
Maybe this will be a good Omen. Beuerlein is argurably the best we ever had. Jake had a longer tenure and has been the closet thing we have had to a Franchise QB so its between those too. Clausen COULD be the most talented QB we have ever had. only time will tell. He may never get the shot if Moore lights it up this year
"I’m the UFC heavyweight champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Dude had like 4500 passing yards in '99...
With 35 touchdowns. He was a beast. Good ol’ Beuerlein. Was the first guy I ever saw my dad have a mancrush on. Lol.
by The Kackalack Kid on Sep 9, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
but what you forget is his sudden downfall
the biggest reason beuerlein couldn’t last in carolina was……George “I will play Chris Weinke no matter what” Seifert. Over two seasons, Beuerlein had over 8,000 yards and over 50 TDs. That wasn’t good enough for Seifert. He knew Weinke could throw 60 passes in a game. Beuerlein made the Pro Bowl his first year as the Broncos QB after leaving Carolina. I will always have a bad taste in my mouth abotu what Seifert did to our franchise…but his failures led to John Fox’s hiring.
by usana_gaines on Sep 9, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Beuerlein, but he was done when we got rid of him.
He had had surgery (shoulder, if I recall) during the offseason before we cut him, and when he signed with the Broncos, he was put on the PUP list and wasn’t on the active 45 with them for most of that season. He was with Denver for two years, and only had spot duty during that time. He only made one Pro Bowl during his career, and that was with us in 99.
by r3 on Sep 9, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Sadly...
Most of these guys are from before I was even a real fan of the team. Of course I was 10 when the team started.
I was a real fan and i was same age. I walked into school proud with my Panthers Starter Jacket haha
"I’m the UFC heavyweight champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
I was in Atlanta in 2002 when I was about 15. I met Deke Cooper, he was an undrafted safety for the Panthers. He stood around and talked with all of us (probably 100 kids) and signed everyones shirts (we were there on a church trip thing so we had matching shirts on). First NFL player I ever met and he was as cool as could be, after that I was a Panthers fan.
by SDcarolinafan on Sep 9, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah i was already a huge football fan before we were awarded the Panthers. I was a Cowboy fan but once we got the team i took off my Dallas cap and put on a Panthers. Been a fan ever since. Can’t stand the Cowboys now but its a different team. No Aikman , No Smith , No Irvin , No Sanders. It was different when it was Amercia’s team. Plus everybody here liked the Skins so i had to route for the rival just to piss em off haha
"I’m the UFC heavyweight champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
I was a Patriots Fan until 1995
I still have the old-school Patriot hiking the ball sweatshirt that i acquired second hand in the 1980’s.
Exactly, everyone here in South Dakota is either a Vikings or Broncos fan. I wanted to go for someone no one else was supporting.
Damn i bet it was a bitch to get any coverage on the Panthers in SD.
"I’m the UFC heavyweight champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Oh yeah. I’m going to be trying some of the internet feeds this season. Otherwise I’m breaking down and getting season ticket. Now if you want to catch a Brock Lesnar PPV, thats on every TV in every bar in town.
by SDcarolinafan on Sep 9, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
haha i bet. Brock is big in those parts id suspect
"I’m the UFC heavyweight champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Yeah, people love him or hate him, But everybody watches him.
by SDcarolinafan on Sep 9, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats pretty much how the entire sport feels about him. He is a very captivating figure
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Yeah, no kidding. Kind of a dick, but he’s entertaining.
Just the biggest hands I’ve ever seen. Got two sledgehammers on the end of his arms.
Of course, the same things can be (and have been) said about Steve Smith.
by r3 on Sep 9, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Laughed like hell at the pic of Collins...
He looks drunker than David Hasselhoff in that cheeseburger movie….Jim Fassell’s over there telling him “Now, Kerry, if you’re too drunk to play in the morning, it’s over….no more TV show, you got it?”
by The Kackalack Kid on Sep 9, 2010 12:31 PM EDT reply actions
Did Beuerlein ever have the teams Delhomme did though? Delhomme has had some serious teams around him in his stint in Carolina. Rather it be one of the leagues best Dlines or best Olines. Best running game and one of the best WR’s. I could only imagine what Steve would of did with a team like that. Superbowl more then likely.
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
We would have a superbowl right now thanks to Jake, but Kasay kicked off o.o.b
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
Don’t remind me. I came close to beating the living hell out of a Patriots fan who had been nagging in my ear the entire game your going to lose i dont know why you even care its going to happen. Carolina can’t beat New England then he shanked a kick and we lost by a FG and the guy wanted to rub it in. If i hadn’t been with my ex g/f at her church youth super bowl party i think i may have killed him.
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
I grabbed him and pinned him against the wall but the youth pastor told me to let him go and go outside and take a breath. Funny thing is he said he didn’t blame me for wanting to beat his ass.
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
That's a fair point...
but let’s not discount the fact that Jake did a good job taking advantage of that talent around him. Two NFC Championship Games, one Super Bowl and a second seed in the playoffs are nothing to sneeze at. Not too shabby for the six seasons he was healthy.
by r3 on Sep 9, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok Imagine this. Steve Beuerlein with Steve Smith a young Moose and Ricky Prohel in the slot….
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Beuerlein did have a young Moose, and he got Moose to the first team All Pro that same year they both went to the Pro Bowl. I don’t doubt that Steve could have done great things here with that talent, but could he have deferred to the running game the way that Jake did? Without 48 putting up 1400 yards, we don’t make the Super Bowl.
Also, I don’t care how good an O line you put in front of Beuerlein, he’s going to take a lot of sacks. During his two years as a starter, he took two sacks for every TD he threw (55 TDs, 112 sacks). He was an absolute statue in the pocket. And Jake was probably a better locker room and on-field leader than Steve was.
by r3 on Sep 9, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Jake has easily has most success of any of our QB’s in the past. Here’s to Moore…or CLAUSEN going on to surpass that haha.
"I’m the UFC Heavyweight Champion and I will be until the day I decide I don’t want to be. And that isn’t anytime soon." - Brock Lesnar
Amen, brother!
I’ll take either one. And the sooner, the better!
by r3 on Sep 9, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
QBs aren't cheap
Talent argument never holds, because the money has to go somewhere. Great QBs take money from another position on your roster. I don’t fault Delhomme for his execution with our talent, its a team game and not one player’s fault.
There was a different philosophy in 99.
We were more of an air it out team. So consider that when you compare Beurlein and Delhomme. We also had possibly the most untapped potential of any Panther ever in Patrick Jeffers. If he doesn’t shred his knee, Jake has a three way combo of Smith/Muhammad/Jeffers to throw to.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Sep 11, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Hilarious that Reed and the team staff couldn't remember...
And you guys here at CSR caught ’em. Waiting for the day when CSR editors open up on NFL Live. Nice work you guys.
by The Kackalack Kid on Sep 9, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
carolinagrowl
Jeff Otah said he hopes to be back “in the next two or three weeks” after a setback in rehab.
Rules and Regulations of the Game: 89, Bottom Line
Obviously not great news, but doesn't mean the sky is falling. The big guy hasn't practiced yet.
There’s no way he’s in football shape and ready to just step in for game 1 (unlike Smitty and Stewie). Otah is a road grader, but he’s injury prone. When he comes back, he needs to be “ready” to do his thing. Otherwise, we’re better with Schwartz out there.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
Sounds like Pickles is having fun pregame (via twitter)
Running around Charlotte doing some rookie errands…I love not having to deal with traffic!
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
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